Does a Baker's cyst cause calf pain?

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Quick Answer

A Baker's cyst can cause pain behind the knee and in the upper calf, especially when the knee is bended or fully straightened, according to WebMD. Other symptoms include swelling and stiffness behind the knee. A Baker's cyst is frequently asymptomatic.

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A Baker's cyst occurs when excess joint fluid collects in a sac of tissue behind the knee, forming a cyst. The excess fluid can be caused by injury or conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Baker's cysts often go away on their own. Treatment options for painful cysts may include steroid injections to reduce swelling, draining the fluid with a needle and, in rare cases, surgery. People with a Baker's cyst should rest the affected knee as much as possible. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling, notes WebMD.